NL West

Now Commenting On:

Nationals to face Braves on Opening Day

Email

Print

Press Release |

The Washington Nationals will mark the start of the 2014 season at Nationals Park when the team faces the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014. The day's pregame events will pay tribute to those affected by last September's tragedy at the Washington Navy Yard, located just a few short blocks from Nationals Park.

The Nationals will remember the lives lost and recognize the resolve and compassion demonstrated in the aftermath of the shooting before the start of the game during a special ceremonial first pitch presentation featuring survivors of the tragedy. Jennifer Bennett, a civilian contractor who was shot in the shoulder during the rampage, and the three men who helped keep her alive that day, will be recognized as part of the ceremony. In addition, representatives from the United States Navy, first responders and families of the victims will take part in the pregame events.

OPENING DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Emceed by Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and CBS News Special Correspondent James Brown, the Opening Day pregame ceremony will include:

Play Ball announcement made by Danielle Knight, who lost her mother, Mary Knight in the shooting

FAN PROMOTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

The first 30,000 fans to enter the ballpark through ALL GATES will receive an Opening Day Cap presented by GEICO

Festivities on N Street SE will include balloons and fire trucks adorned with a giant American flag

The Nationals drumline will perform outside Center Field Gate

The Family Picnic Area will feature caricature artists, face painters and a sign-making station

Scott's New Band will perform at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk

TICKETS

Advance tickets to attend Opening Day are sold out, but fans can still purchase Standing Room Only tickets for $20 at nationals.com/tickets or by calling 202.675.NATS (6287), while supplies last. In addition, approximately 400 Grandstand seats will be available for $15 at the Main Box Office starting at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the game. Fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than normal in order to enjoy Opening Day festivities.

The March to Baseball campaign will continue through the end of the month, giving the team's most loyal fans the opportunity to win daily prizes while securing tickets to the hottest matchups of the season. Only a few days remain for fans to renew or purchase a Full Season, 40-Game or 20-Game Plan for the chance to win unprecedented prizes and experience packages. The grand prize, a Nationals road trip experience, will be announced when the Nationals open the season in New York on March 31, 2014. Further details and a full list of prizes are available at nationals.com/MarchToBaseball.

GETTING TO THE BALLPARK

Parking options for Nationals fans start at $10 and are available online at nationals.com/waytogo. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance to ensure they receive a space in their desired zone. Other transportation options include:

Metro - Nationals Park is located at the Navy Yard-Ballpark station (Half Street exit) on Metro's Green Line and is also accessible by the Capitol South station on Metro's Blue and Orange Lines

Metrobus - Six Metrobus routes serve stops near the ballpark

DC Circulator Bus - Runs every 10 minutes from Union Station to the ballpark

Potomac Riverboat Company - Guests travelling from Alexandria, Va., can take the water taxi service which departs approximately one hour prior to the first pitch

Fans are also encouraged to use the bicycle valet (located on First Street SE near N Street SE) and bike racks around the ballpark

SECURITY & GATE INFO

Due to an anticipated sellout crowd, fans are encouraged to enter through the gate closest to their seating area to avoid congestion at Center Field Gate. All gates will open at 10:30 a.m. to allow fans more time to enjoy the ballpark and Opening Day festivities. To ensure everyone is in their seats before pregame ceremonies begin, please consider arriving early to the ballpark and leaving backpacks, bags and extra items at home.